The next generation of New York City’s bravest are preparing to hit the streets, including a graduate following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who both died in the World Trade Center attacks.
On Wednesday, May 15, 326 Probationary Firefighters celebrated their graduation from the FDNY Fire Academy at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. These Probationary Firefighters will be assigned to different units across the city, and are expected to learn the ins and out of the job this week.
“This is serious and dangerous work. Respect it and respect the patch that you wear on your sleeve. This is the greatest fire department in the world, and it is an honor to call yourself New York’s Bravest,” said FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker.
Among the graduates was Joseph Angelini III, whose grandfather and father, Joseph Angelini Sr. and Joseph Angelini Jr., tragically lost their lives in the World Trade Center Attacks. Angelini Sr. was the most decorated and senior firefighter, and when he was trapped during the collapse, Angelini Jr. ran in after him.
“I don’t have any memories of either, but I heard many throughout my time at the academy. I look forward to carving out my own career and just trying to be half the firefighters they were,” said Angelini.
Over the past 18 weeks, the Fire Academy students went over all of the aspects of firefighting. Of the graduating class, 48% were people of color, with 28% identifying as Hispanic, 17% as Black, and 3% as Asian American. The class includes six women and 37 veterans from the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force.
Two graduates were children of FDNY members who made the Supreme Sacrifice in the line of duty or have died due to World Trade Center-related illnesses.
Firefighter Xenia Connell is following in the footsteps of her father, who was assigned to Ladder 20. She said, ” I look forward to making him proud. I want to be just as good of a firefighter as he was.”
“You have shown the character, the courage, and the commitment it takes to wear this uniform. Firefighting is a team endeavor. We succeed or fail as a team, and the safety of each one of us is dependent upon other firefighters knowing and completing their assignment,” said Chief of Department John Esposito.
